Anzac Day - Jerusalem 25/4/2017

Anzac Day, Jerusalem

 

The annual Anzac Day Commemoration Service hosted by the Australian Ambassador, H E David Sharma, commenced at 09:00 hrs on a bright sunny morning at the CWGC Cemetery on Mount Scopus, overlooking Jerusalem.

The catafalque party was provided by Australian and New Zealand members of the MFO currently serving in the Sinai.

The Rt Hon Josh Frydenburg MP gave the address, which was followed by a reading by Major Shay Bassett (NZ, MFO) of 'In Flanders Fields'. This was followed by the laying of wreaths from the diplomatic corps and civil organizations, including the Gallipoli Association.

Major Jay Rasmussen (Australia, MFO) read Binyon's 'Ode to the Fallen' which was followed by the Last Post, the Silence, and then the Rouse, before the anthems of Australia, New Zealand and Israel were played.

Despite being a working day here, the service was well attended, as testified to by the large number of wreaths laid, and the Australian embassy's hospitality was generous, with bottled water available during the service and refreshments afterwards.

The laying of the Gallipoli Association wreath